SOUTH AFRICA TO KICK OFF 2026 WORLD CUP VS MEXICO

The stage is set: Bafana Bafana will open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the hosts, Mexico.

The opening game will be a rematch from the 2010 World Cup. For the first time since 2010, South Africa is back at soccer’s biggest party, and the spotlight’s on.

Drawn into Group A, Bafana will face Mexico on 11 June 2026 at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Their other group rivals are South Korea and a yet-to-be-decided European qualifier from Playoff D, either Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, or the Republic of Ireland.

Back in 2010, Bafana and Mexico opened that World Cup on South African soil, where the nation’s iconic goal by Siphiwe Tshabalala set the tone for that tournament. Now, roles are reversed, and South Africa will step onto the pitch in enemy territory.

The full Group A schedule has now been confirmed: after the Mexico match, South Africa will face the European qualifier (venue and date TBD) and then South Korea in their final group game.

Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup stage is more than just a game. It’s a chance to rewrite the past, stir up old memories, and maybe even make new history.

Image credit: BBC